Artist threatens Court Action

By Frederick Philander WINDHOEK Visual artist Augestinus Madi this week rejected an NBC offer of N$3 000 as compensation for allegedly using one of his works in a logo of a popular music television series. Shilongo Law Chambers made the offer to him on behalf of the national broadcaster. Madi claims that NBC in 2003 photographed and visually documented a drawing in progress and used the work as part of a logo in the television programme series without his permission. A lawyer, Anneen de Jay, acting on behalf of the NBC, confirmed that she had made the financial offer to the artist and gave him time to think it over. However, Madi outright rejected the offer as “ridiculous”. He has submitted a claim of N$160 000, based on international creative criteria, in an effort to be compensated for an alleged transgression of copyright. NBC director, Byron Josephs, was allegedly responsible for recording and photographing the artist’s drawing. Madi told Art/Life that the NBC’s refusal to properly compensate him for using his work without permission, has forced him to lay formal charges with the Namibian Police for the case to be brought before the courts.